Aston Villa v Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Kai Havertz denied late equaliser

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal: John McGinn’s early goal was enough for Unai Emery’s side as they moved to within two points of the top of the table

Huge credit to Villa and Emery for their turnaround - Arteta

Aston Villa continued their remarkable home winning run with a gutsy 1-0 win over Arsenal that lifted Unai Emery’s side to within two points of the top of the Premier League table.

Having out-played Manchester City earlier in the week, Villa produced a performance of real defensive strength to hold on after John McGinn’s early goal. The tireless home captain was emblematic of an industrious performance as the visitors suffered a set back in their chase for the title.

Arsenal had been knocked off top spot by Liverpool’s win earlier on Saturday, and missed a series of chances to suffer just a second defeat of the season. With Mikel Arteta watching on from the stands due to a touchline ban, Kai Havertz’s late leveller was ruled out after referee Jarred Gillett deemed the ball to have brushed the midfielder’s hand just before he converted from close range.

And with Aston Villa now just a point behind their opponents after a 15th consecutive home league win, there will be growing belief among the Villa Park faithful that their team can continue to mix it with the established big boys.

Re-live all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

• Aston Villa climb to within two points of the top of the Premier League table with an impressive win
• FT: Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
• 90’ Kai Havertz equaliser disallowed for handball
• 58’ Aston Villa saved by the woodwork before Martin Odegaard misses a great chance
• 36’ Off the line! Diego Carlos spares his goalkeeper’s blushes
• GOAL! ASTON VILLA 1-0 Arsenal (John McGinn, 7 minutes)

[9 December 2023 17:40 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal, 9 minutes

That really was a lovely goal, Aston Villa playing out from the back to break the shackles of Arsenal’s press and then create the opportunity up the right.

Mikel Arteta shakes his head in the directors’ box - not the start he was hoping for.

[9 December 2023 17:37 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

GOAL! ASTON VILLA 1-0 Arsenal (John McGinn, 7 minutes)

John McGinn makes no mistake at the other end!

Superb. This is a beauty of a team goal from Aston Villa, lively interplay freeing Leon Bailey. the wide man draws three to him and still manages to pick the right pass, cutting back to his captain, who pivots perfectly and plants it high into the back of the net.

A trademark celebration and a jump of joy from John McGinn - and Villa Park is bouncing with him.

(Getty Images)

[9 December 2023 17:37 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal, 6 minutes

That’s a chance, though! It’s a delightful ball from Gabriel Martinelli, picking up the switch from Bukayo Saka and playing an elongated one-two, curling deliciously to the far post where Saka has ghosted by Lucas Digne. Given his quality, it’s a surprise that Saka does not make more of the chance, the England international scuffing his half-volley. It was touch technique-wise, but you’d have backed him to hit the target.

[9 December 2023 17:35 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal, 5 minutes

Ollie Watkins regathers and forces a hurried shot away, though is unable to get it through the pair of Arsenal legs he is attempting to bisect. Arsenal yet to really settle.

[9 December 2023 17:34 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal, 4 minutes

This is a strong start from the hosts, pushing Arsenal back. Boubacar Kamara drives between Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, but the German just manages to get a foot in.

[9 December 2023 17:32 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal, 2 minutes

Aston Villa pack the six-yard space with bodies, surrounding David Raya. It’s a shame, then, that the delivery is so poor, failing to meet the first defender.

[9 December 2023 17:31 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal, 1 minute

As expected for Aston Villa, with John McGinn tucking in from the left side of midfield and Leon Bailey providing width on the right. Bailey immediately wins a corner after twisting by Oleksandr Zinchenko.

[9 December 2023 17:30 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

KICK OFF!

Mikel Arteta takes his seat up in the stands, Unai Emery down in the dugout. We are underway at Villa Park.

[9 December 2023 17:28 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

The players are out there under the lights. Jarred Gillett is our referee this evening, with VAR Michael Salisbury on standby if required.

[9 December 2023 17:27 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Aston Villa pay a quick tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah ahead of kick off, the late, great poet a lifelong fan who sadly passed away at the age of 65 this week.

(Getty Images)